1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “計” (keikaku) primarily means “to plan,” “to measure,” or “to calculate.” It is often associated with the idea of making arrangements or assessments in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “計” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the meaning of “to measure” with a phonetic component that suggests its pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “計” is “計” itself, which relates to measuring and planning.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “計” are:
- 計画 (keikaku) – plan
- 計算 (keisan) – calculation
- 計測 (keisoku) – measurement
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 明日の会議のために計画を立てましょう。 (Let’s make a plan for tomorrow’s meeting.)
- この問題を計算してみてください。 (Please try to calculate this problem.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is “測” (soku), which means “to measure” but is more specifically used in contexts involving physical measurements, such as length or weight.
Antonyms: An antonym for “計” could be “無計画” (mukeikaku), meaning “unplanned” or “without a plan.”
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of planning and measurement is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where meticulous planning is often valued in both personal and professional contexts.
Proverbs and Idioms: One relevant proverb is “計画は成功の半分” (Keikaku wa seikou no hanbun), which translates to “Planning is half of success,” emphasizing the importance of careful planning in achieving goals.